How to Get Rid of Termites: Effective Treatment Options

Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. These tiny insects feed on wood, and once they infest a structure, they can cause extensive damage—often without being noticed until the problem is severe. Each year, termites cause billions of dollars in damage globally, making early detection and effective treatment essential. This guide covers the most reliable termite treatment options available today to help you take back control of your home.

Understanding the Enemy: Types of Termites

Before choosing a treatment method, it's important to understand which type of termite you're dealing with. The three main types of termites that cause damage are:

• Subterranean termites: These are the most common and most destructive. They live underground and build mud tubes to access food above ground.

• Drywood termites: These termites live inside the wood they consume and don’t require contact with soil.

• Dampwood termites: Found in very moist wood, these termites are less likely to infest homes but can be a problem in humid areas or with wood that stays damp.

Identifying the type helps determine the best treatment strategy, as each species behaves differently and requires a tailored approach.

Signs You May Have Termites

It’s essential to catch termite activity early. Here are some common signs of an infestation:

• Mud tubes along walls, foundations, or crawlspaces

• Hollow-sounding wood or visibly damaged timber

• Swarming insects or discarded wings near windows and doors

• Tiny holes in wood surfaces

• Termite droppings (frass) resembling small wood pellets

If you notice any of these, it’s time to act quickly.

Effective Termite Treatment Options

There are several effective ways to eliminate termites, ranging from professional chemical treatments to natural remedies. The best solution depends on the type and severity of the infestation.

1. Liquid Termiticides (Barrier Treatments)

What It Is: Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil around a home’s foundation to create a chemical barrier that either repels or kills termites.

How It Works: Non-repellent termiticides, such as fipronil or imidacloprid, allow termites to enter the treated area. They unknowingly carry the poison back to the colony, which eventually kills the queen and other members.

Pros:

• Long-lasting protection (up to 10 years)

• Effective for subterranean termites

• Can eliminate the entire colony

Cons:

• Requires professional application

• May involve digging trenches around your foundation

2. Termite Baiting Systems

What It Is: Termite bait stations are installed in the ground around the perimeter of your home. These stations contain cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide.

How It Works: Foraging termites consume the bait and bring it back to the colony, spreading the poison to others.

Pros:

• Non-invasive

• Environmentally friendly

• Targets the entire colony

Cons:

• Takes time to work (weeks to months)

• Requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance

Popular Brands: Sentricon, Trelona, and Advance Termite Bait System (ATBS)

3. Fumigation (Tenting)

What It Is: Fumigation involves enclosing your entire home in a tent and releasing a gas (typically sulfuryl fluoride) to kill all termites inside.

Best For: Drywood termite infestations

Pros:

• Extremely effective for large-scale infestations

• Penetrates hard-to-reach areas

Cons:

• Requires you to vacate your home for several days

• No residual protection

• Does not prevent future infestations

4. Wood Treatments

What It Is: These include surface sprays, injected foams, and borate treatments applied directly to wood.

How It Works: Wood is treated with chemicals like boric acid that either kill termites on contact or make the wood inedible.

Pros:

• Great for new construction or localized infestations

• Can prevent future damage

Cons:

• Limited reach; ineffective for hidden colonies

• May require drilling into wood

5. Natural and DIY Treatments

If you prefer a chemical-free or more budget-friendly approach, several natural treatments can help, especially for early or minor infestations.

A. Nematodes

• Beneficial microscopic worms that feed on termites

• Safe for humans, pets, and plants

• Best used in gardens or soil areas

B. Orange Oil

• Contains d-limonene, which kills termites on contact

• Useful for spot treatments

• Limited to small, localized infestations

C. Boric Acid

• Dehydrates termites and damages their digestive systems

• Can be applied as dust or mixed into bait

• Needs consistent reapplication for lasting effects

Important Note: Natural remedies are generally not effective against large colonies or subterranean termites and work best as preventive or supplementary measures.

Choosing Between DIY and Professional Treatment

When DIY Might Work:

• You’ve caught the infestation early

• The colony is small and accessible

• You’re dealing with drywood termites in isolated wood furniture

When to Call a Professional:

• You see extensive damage

• Mud tubes are present

• You’re unsure about the type of termite

• The infestation returns after DIY attempts

Professionals have the tools, experience, and access to stronger chemicals that can eradicate termites at the colony level—something DIY options often fail to do.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve dealt with an infestation, the next step is prevention. Here’s how:

• Eliminate moisture: Fix leaky faucets, maintain proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in crawlspaces.

• Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation and around utility lines.

• Store firewood and mulch away from your home’s foundation.

• Schedule annual inspections from a licensed termite control expert.

• Use treated wood for construction and repairs.

• Install physical barriers, such as stainless steel mesh or sand, during building construction.

Cost of Termite Treatments

Costs vary depending on the size of your property, the severity of the infestation, and the method used:

• Liquid treatments: $3–$12 per linear foot (up to $2,500+)

• Bait systems: $1,000–$3,000 for installation and monitoring

• Fumigation: $1,200–$4,000

• Spot treatments: $200–$900

While professional treatments may seem expensive, they are often more cost-effective than repairing termite damage later.

Final Thoughts

Termites can silently destroy the integrity of your home if left unchecked. Fortunately, a range of effective treatment options—from chemical barriers to bait systems and fumigation—can eliminate them and help keep them from coming back. The key is early detection, choosing the right solution for your termite type and infestation level, and taking proactive steps to prevent future invasions.

Don’t wait until you see the damage. If you suspect termites, act fast—your home depends on it.